Asset performance optimization

ABSTRACT

Included are embodiments for asset management. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving, at a performance assessment and optimization center, data from at least one asset, the asset being configured to service an environment and performing at least one calculation, from the received data, to determine whether the asset is operating properly. Some embodiments include in response to a determination that the at least one asset is not operating properly, providing an indication related to operation of the asset.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisionalapplication entitled, “VIRTUAL AUDIT SYSTEM AND METHOD,” having Ser. No.60/757,446, filed Jan. 9, 2006, which is entirely incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to an asset performance optimizationsystem and method. More specifically, the present disclosure is relatedto communications with one or more assets associated with anenvironment.

BACKGROUND

Utilization of one or more assets, including but not limited to, heatersystems, air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, alarm systems,security systems, appliances, electronics, and/or other devicesassociated with an environment and/or business equipment may result in alarge amount of energy consumed and associated asset repair servicecosts. As energy costs may become an increasingly large portion of ahome's and/or business's budget, reduction of energy consumption andassociated expenses may be desired. In an effort to reduce energyconsumption and/or associated operating costs, many homes and/orbusinesses utilize control systems including, but not limited to, timersand other scheduling to automatically activate or deactivate one or moreassets at predetermined times and operate equipment to defined businessparameters. As these control systems may reduce energy usage, thesystems are generally inflexible and may not effectively accommodate forcontinuing business changes to operations and schedules. Although thisproblem may be partially addressed by the inclusion of system parameteroptions and/or utilization of a customer service representative toreactively intervene, such solutions are generally difficult to utilizeand often result in system ineffectiveness, which may introduce furtherproblems. Control systems may, at times, be configured to track andmanage certain parameters of individual unit performance, however,entire building system optimization of multiple units operating intandem is, largely left unaddressed.

Thus, there is a heretofore unaddressed to overcome inefficiencies andshortcomings as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. While several embodiments are described inconnection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit thedisclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On thecontrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, andequivalents.

FIG. 1 is a nonlimiting example of a control system that may beconfigured to communicate with one or more assets associated with anenvironment.

FIG. 2 is a nonlimiting example of a control system configured tocommunicate with a plurality of assets associated with an environment,similar to the control system from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a nonlimiting example of a performance assessment andoptimization center that may be configured to communicate with one ormore environments, similar to the environment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a plurality ofcomponents that may be associated with the performance assessment andoptimization center of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of exemplary components that may beutilized for optimizing assets of an environment, such as theenvironment from FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary user interface illustrating a virtual auditdisplay, the user interface being associated with one or more of theassets from FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary user interface illustrating a detaileddescription for one or more assets associated with an environment,similar to the user interface from FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary user interface illustrating a work order listingfor one or more of the assets from FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary user interface illustrating client informationfor the client from FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary user interface illustrating service call datafor a client, similar to the user interface from FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary user interface illustrating cost data associatedwith service calls, similar to the user interface from FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary user interface illustrating an average cost percallout, similar to the user interface from FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary user interface illustrating an average cost persquare foot, similar to the user interface from FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary user interface illustrating a plurality ofefficiency percentages, similar to the user interface from FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process that may beutilized for an environment, such as the environment from FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process that may beutilized in conducting virtual onsite operations, similar to theflowchart from FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a continuation of the flowchart from FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process that may beutilized in conducting post-commissioning onsite operations, similar tothe flowchart from FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary processes that may beutilized for continuous commissioning of one or more assets, such as theassets from FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Included in this disclosure is a plurality of processes, tools, andtechnologies that may enable a client to ensure optimum performance ofassets, critical business equipment and systems to reduce the total costof energy by reducing energy usage, optimizing energy demand, optimizingenergy performance optimization systems and energy using assetefficiencies, and reducing maintenance service costs, prolonging theuseful life of assets, and enhancing reliability of business operations.Additionally, this disclosure addresses optimization of energyexpenditures at a system level. This allows a client to regulate energyusage, asset repair and replacement, and equipment maintenance to reduceoperating costs, via a connection to an organization's Energy ManagementSystem (EMS) or Building Management System (BMS) using a virtual audittool and/or other diagnostic routines. The virtual audit tool may beconfigured to collect data and may apply predictive knowledge inanalyzing operating trends. The audit tool may be configured to assessthe facility operating conditions at intervals for optimization ofusage, asset and service performance, etc. Signs of asset degradationmay be detected and, if such degradation cannot be corrected remotely, apunch-list of prioritized, corrective actions for execution by theclient and/or designated third party may be created.

The client benefits from this proactive continuous commissioning of EMSand assets, assuring that these efforts deliver an expanded return oninvestment as well as providing critical assessments of energy relatedassets and business performance. This can ensure reliability of businessoperations and deliver designed energy efficiencies and other reductionsin operating costs. Energy related third party performance may beassessed to assure compliance with standards, agreements, and budgetedexpenses. An equipment scorecard for tracking performance by a make,model, and configuration of EMS and assets, and a third party servicevendor scorecard for tracking performance by a vendor and by facility isone of a plurality of measurement and decision analysis tools that maybe available in this disclosure.

This disclosure also discusses a plurality of elements associated withperformance assurance. More specifically, included in this disclosureare embodiments of Customer-Premises Equipment (CPE) interface,interrogation, optimization, and control. Unlike other processes, theasset optimization solutions disclosed herein performance assurance canbe configured to inter-operate with a plurality of EMSs and/or BuildingAutomation Systems (BASs) through a comprehensive set of drivers. Theperformance assurance system, which may include elements of an assetoptimization solution suite, may be configured to communicate byutilizing any of a plurality of proprietary protocols, protocolconversion tools, and/or the use of custom designed data acquisitionpaths. This ability to work with virtually any EMS or BAS protocol andselect equipment assets may allow clients who have acquired mixed EMSand/or BAS assets and equipment to manage those assets without having tospend large sums of money for a single standard technology.

Unlike EMS and BAS alarms, asset optimization techniques disclosedherein proactively and continually assess EMS and/or BAS, performsecurity and safety tests, and exercises not only the EMS and/or BAS,but also one or more assets associated with the environment. This mayinclude, but is not limited to, heating systems, ventilation systems,Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, lightingsystems, security systems, process controllers, refrigerators, and/orother processes.

Unlike EMS and BAS alarms, asset optimization and the performanceassurance system may be exercised using proprietary software tools,including commands, protocols, algorithms, data, and/or mathematicalmodels, which far exceed the knowledge possible from any one technicianor group of technicians. Asset optimization may be utilized with one ormore servers and/or other computing devices and can perform a pluralityof virtual audits and/or other tasks and processes in the time that atechnician could test only a few systems.

Asset optimization may also include a digital data library, a datastore, and/or other components. More specifically, the data store mayinclude current and/or historical data on one or more pieces of customerpremises equipment (CPE) for one or more customers. Specifications foroptimal operation of such assets may also be provided, as well as listsof specific assets by serial number, type, and performance data forsimilar assets running in similar environments, etc.

In addition, if available, the data store may include a history of oneor more services for one or more assets associated with the environment,as well as provide energy billing data. In some cases the data store mayalso include site and asset drawings, schematics, specification sheets,as-built drawings, site and asset photographs, and/or other data.Information may be delivered to the user in any of a plurality of waysincluding, via the Internet, world wide web, email, facsimile, cellphone, pager, PDA, and/or other device configured to communicate withperformance assurance.

FIG. 1 is a nonlimiting example of a control system that may beconfigured to communicate with one or more assets in an environment. Asillustrated in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 1, environment 102 iscoupled to a control system 104. Environment 102 may include one or moreassets, such as an air-conditioning unit, a heater unit, securitysystem, components to a fire alarm system, components to an electricalsystem, and/or other assets, as nonlimiting examples. Control system 104may be configured to communicate data to and/or from one or more of theassets associated with environment 102. As discussed above, utilizationof control system 104 with environment 102 may allow more efficientutilization of assets within the environment 102 by controlling usagebased on user preferences.

FIG. 2 is a nonlimiting example of a control system configured tocommunicate with a plurality of assets associated with an environment,similar to the control system from FIG. 1. As illustrated in thenonlimiting example of FIG. 2, environment 102 can include a pluralityof areas 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, and 112 d, which may be associated withone or more assets 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d. More specifically, asillustrated in FIG. 2, asset A 110 a is associated with area 112 a.Asset A 110 a may be an HVAC unit configured to heat and cool area 112a. Asset B 110 b may be an HVAC system configured to heat and/or coolarea 112 b. Similarly, asset C 110 c and asset D 110 d may be configuredto heat and/or cool areas 112 c and 112 d, respectively. Control system104 may be configured to receive data from one or more of the assets 110and/or send data to one or more of the assets 110. As a nonlimitingexample, control system 104 may be configured to control the operationof one or more of the assets 110 on a system level, such that theoverall environment 102 may be heated and/or cooled most efficiently.Additionally, control system 104 may be coupled to network 108, whichmay include the Internet, PSTN, ISDN, cellular mobile network, and/orother communications networks such that data from the environment 102may be communicated to other parties.

FIG. 3 is a nonlimiting example of a performance assessment andoptimization center that may be configured to communicate with one ormore environments, similar to the environment of FIG. 2. As illustratedin the nonlimiting example of FIG. 3, performance assessment andoptimization center 210 may be configured to receive communications fromand/or send communications to one or more assets associated withenvironments 202 a, 202 b, 202 c, and 202 d via network 108 (and/orcommunicate with control system 204). More specifically, in at least oneembodiment, control systems 204 a, 204 b, 204 c, and 204 d may beconfigured to control assets associated with environments 202 a, 202 b,202 c and 202 d, respectively. Similarly, in some embodiments, assetsassociated with environments 202 can send data related to operations ofthe assets, as well as data related to the environment.

As a nonlimiting example, referring back to FIG. 2, asset A 110 a, assetB 110 b, asset C 110 c, and asset D 110 d may take the form of HVACunits. One or more of the HVAC units 110 may be configured to maintainthe temperature of a predetermined area of environment 102.Additionally, (referring again to FIG. 3), assets 110 can be configuredto collect and send data to performance assessment and optimizationcenter 210. The data sent to performance assessment and optimizationcenter 210 can include operation data of the HVAC units, such asefficiency, energy consumption, temperature of exiting air, etc.

Similarly, the data sent to performance assessment and optimizationcenter 210 can include results data, such as ambient temperature,incoming air temperature, etc. One should note that while someconfigurations include one-way communication (e.g., assets 110 (FIG. 2)send data to performance assessment and optimization center 210) otherconfigurations may include two-way communications (e.g., performanceassessment and optimization center 210 sends data to one or more of theassets 110 (FIG. 2) and receives data from one or more of the assets).

After receiving data from assets 110, performance assessment andoptimization center 210 can make one or more calculations to determine aperformance factor related to the operation of one or more of the assets110 (and/or the system as a whole). From the calculations and/orperformance factor, performance assessment and optimization center 210can adjust one or more setting on the assets and/or schedule the assetfor service by a technician. As discussed in more detail below,performance assessment and optimization center 210 may also store atleast a portion of the received and/or calculated data for subsequentuse.

One should note that while the embodiments discussed above include airconditioning units, these are nonlimiting examples. More specificallyassets 110 (FIG. 2) can include any of a plurality of different devicesincluding, but not limited to, HVAC units, security system components,fire alarm system components, appliances, electronic components,electrical system components, computing logic, etc. Additionally, asdifferent assets may be configured for different functionality, datasent between asset 110 a (FIG. 2) and performance assessment andoptimization center 210 may differ from data sent between asset 110 b(FIG. 2) and performance assessment and optimization center 210,depending on the particular configuration.

Additionally, while the embodiments described above include a singlesystem (e.g., an HVAC system) associated with an environment, this isalso a nonlimiting example. More specifically, depending on theparticular configuration, an environment can include any number ofdifferent systems, each system with one or more assets that may becommunicatively coupled to performance assessment and optimizationcenter 210.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of aperformance assessment and optimization center that may be configured tocommunicate via a communications network such as the network from FIG.2. Although a wire-line client device is illustrated, this discussioncan be applied to wireless devices, as well. Generally, in terms ofhardware architecture, as shown in FIG. 4, the performance assessmentand optimization center 210 includes a processor 482, volatile andnonvolatile memory 484, a display interface 494, data storage 495, oneor more input and/or output (I/O) device interface(s) 496, and/or one ormore network interface 498 that are communicatively coupled via a localinterface 492. The local interface 492 can include, for example but notlimited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections.The local interface 492 may have additional elements, which are omittedfor simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers,repeaters, and receivers to enable communications. Further, the localinterface may include address, control, and/or data connections toenable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.The processor 482 may be a device for executing software, particularlysoftware stored in volatile and nonvolatile memory 484.

The processor 482 can be any custom made or commercially availableprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor amongseveral processors associated with the client device 106, asemiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing softwareinstructions.

The volatile and nonvolatile memory 484 can include any one orcombination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory(RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and/or nonvolatile memoryelements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.). Moreover, thememory 484 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or othertypes of storage media. One should note that the volatile andnonvolatile memory 484 can have a distributed architecture (wherevarious components are situated remote from one another), but can beaccessed by the processor 482. Additionally volatile and nonvolatilememory 484 can include asset performance optimization logic 499 and anoperating system 486.

The software in volatile and nonvolatile memory 484 may include one ormore separate programs, each of which includes an ordered listing ofexecutable instructions for implementing logical functions. In theexample of FIG. 4, the software in the volatile and nonvolatile memory484 may include asset management logic 499, as well as operating system486. The operating system 486 essentially controls the execution ofother computer programs and provides scheduling, input-output control,file and data management, memory management, and communication controland related services.

A system component and/or module embodied as software may also beconstrued as a source program, executable program (object code), script,or any other entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed.When constructed as a source program, the program is translated via acompiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not beincluded within the volatile and nonvolatile memory 484, so as tooperate properly in connection with the operating system 486.

The Input/Output devices that may be coupled to system I/0 Interface(s)496 may include input devices, for example but not limited to, akeyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, etc. Further, the Input/Outputdevices may also include output devices, for example but not limited to,a printer, display, speaker, etc. Finally, the Input/Output devices mayfurther include devices that communicate both as inputs and outputs, forinstance but not limited to, a modulator/demodulator (modem; foraccessing another device, system, or network), a radio frequency (RF) orother transceiver, a telephonic interface, a bridge, a router, etc.

Additionally included are one or more network interfaces 498 forfacilitating communication with one or more other devices. Morespecifically, network interface 498 may include any component configuredto facilitate a connection with another device. While in someembodiments, among others, the performance assessment and optimizationcenter 210 can include a network interface 498 that includes a PersonalComputer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card (alsoabbreviated as “PC card”) for receiving a wireless network card, howeverthis is a nonlimiting example. Other configurations can include thecommunications hardware within the computing device, such that awireless network card is unnecessary for communicating wirelessly.Similarly, other embodiments include network interfaces 498 forcommunicating via a wired connection. Such interfaces may be configuredwith Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces, serial ports, and/or otherinterfaces.

If performance assessment and optimization center 210 includes apersonal computer, workstation, or the like, the software in thevolatile and nonvolatile memory 484 may further include a basic inputoutput system (BIOS) (omitted for simplicity). The BIOS is a set ofsoftware routines that initialize and test hardware at startup, startthe operating system 486, and support the transfer of data among thehardware devices. The BIOS is stored in ROM so that the BIOS can beexecuted when the client device 106 is activated.

When performance assessment and optimization center 210 is in operation,the processor 482 may be configured to execute software stored withinthe volatile and nonvolatile memory 484, to communicate data to and fromthe volatile and nonvolatile memory 484, and to generally controloperations of the client device 106 pursuant to the software. Softwarein memory, in whole or in part, may be read by the processor 482,perhaps buffered within the processor 482, and then executed.

One should note that while the description with respect to FIG. 4includes a performance assessment and optimization center as a singlecomponent, this is a nonlimiting example. More specifically, in at leastone embodiment, performance assessment and optimization center 210 caninclude a plurality of servers, personal computers, and/or otherdevices. Similarly, while asset management logic 499 is illustrated inFIG. 4 as a single software component, this is also a nonlimitingexample. In at least one embodiment, asset management logic 499 mayinclude one or more components, embodied in software, hardware, and/orfirmware. Additionally, while asset management logic 499 is depicted asresiding on a single computing device, as performance assessment andoptimization center 210 may include one or more devices, assetmanagement logic 499 may include one or more components residing on oneor more different devices.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of exemplary components that may beutilized for optimizing assets of an environment, such as theenvironment from FIG. 3. As illustrated in the nonlimiting example ofFIG. 5, performance assessment and optimization center 210 can includeone or more components to facilitate communication with an asset and/orcalculation of received data. More specifically, performance assessmentand optimization center 210 may include a Energy Management System(EMS), a Building Automation system (BAS), and/or other InformationSystem (IS) for communicating with one or more assets 110 w, 110 x, 110y, and 110 z (hereinafter EMS/BAS/IS 348). The EMS/BAS/IS 348 mayinclude a customer data component (not shown). Customer data componentcan be configured to receive customer data related to an asset. Morespecifically, customer data may include a name, address, telephonenumber, email address related to the customer. Other data that may bereceived includes service agreement data, previous purchases, previousservices on an asset, and/or other data.

Also included in the EMS/BAS/IS 348 is a weather data component (notshown). The weather data component can be configured to receive weatherdata related to the environment where the assets operate. Weather datamay be utilized to accommodate for changes in seasons, as well asshort-term weather changes such as storms, heat, blizzards, etc.

A market data component may be included with the EMS/BAS/IS 348 and canbe configured to receive market data such as commodity pricing data, dayahead energy pricing, and historical closing prices of electricity andnatural gas. Similarly, a real time alarms component can be includedwith the EMS/BAS/IS 348 and configured to receive rules and other datafor triggering an alarm. As a nonlimiting example, an air conditioningsystem may be configured to cool an environment. If it is determinedthat an alarm should be triggered if the temperature reaches 85° F. (orhigher), the real time capture component can be configured to capturedata related to this alarm such that the EMS/BAS/IS 348 can address thesituation.

Some embodiments of the EMS/BAS/IS 348 may include a service bill datacomponent (not shown). The service bill data component can be configuredto receive data related to a client's service bill. As a nonlimitingexample, if the system includes a security system, the service bill datacomponent can be configured to receive data related to the securitysystem bill. This data can include previous payments, current charges,current options to which the client subscribes, and/or other datarelated to the services received.

The EMS/BAS/IS 348 may also include a meter data component (not shown).The meter data component can be configured to receive data related toenergy demand and units of consumption. Similarly, a CMMS data component(not shown) can be configured to provide historical data on mechanicalservices related to one or more assets. Additionally, an industrybenchmarks component (not shown) can be configured to provide details onmanufacturer specifications and performance parameters. The EMS/BAS/IS348 can be configured with one or more algorithms, such as qualityassurance (QA) algorithms, audit algorithms, validation algorithms,estimation algorithms, normalization algorithms, rationalizationalgorithms, units conversion algorithms, business/operations rulesalgorithms, and/or other algorithms.

The EMS/BAS/IS 348 may be configured to receive data associated with oneor more of the assets (which may or may not be associated with a commonenvironment). Upon receiving data from the asset(s), the EMS/BAS/IS 348may be configured to produce time series data 159, alarm data 164,and/or configuration data 155. Additionally, the EMS/BAS/IS 348 may beconfigured to send data to a Data Acquisition Engine (DAE) 330. The DAE330 may be configured to acquire data from the EMS/BAS/IS 348 and sendthe acquired data to a data store 354. Also coupled to the data store354 is an audit engine 172. The audit engine may be configured toretrieve data from the data store 354. A bidirectional (BI) server 145may also be coupled to the data store 354 for producing scorecards 147,punch lists 149, and/or vendor data 151.

The data store 354 can include storage capabilities and may beconfigured to rely on the acquisition of information from any of anumber of sources.

Once in the data store 354, the audit engine 172 receives data from theassets to identify anomalies and/or inefficiencies with operation of anasset (and/or the system as a whole), the cause of the anomalies and/orinefficiencies, and recommendations to resolve these problems. Therecommendations may be provided to the client and/or a designated agent,such as a service company representative. Other embodiments can includeproducing one or more reports, including but not limited to aprioritized punch list of items that may be completed to obtain optimalperformance, a prioritized punch list by other larger aggregations, suchas a district or an entire company's portfolio, asset scorecards, vendorscorecards, and/or service scorecards, which may be configured to allowcustomers to make accurate and timely decisions on how to optimize theresults from a system, site, portfolio, and vendor. One or more of thesereports may be available and may be transmitted by email, cellulartelephone, pager, facsimile, and/or a web-based customer interface 364.

The data stored in data store 354 may be utilized for ensuring assetperformance and optimization. Additionally, data in data store 354 maybe subject to asset optimization expert models, including but notlimited to, proprietary algorithms, decision analytics, and predictivemodels.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the audit engine 172 may beconfigured to routinely assess assets and equipment operatingperformance to assure optimization and identify, quantify and prioritizeincipient asset degradation which may negatively impact assetperformance leading to increased energy costs and, increases in the costof asset repair/replacements or service maintenance. An initialapplication of the audit engine 172 may produce an asset performancebaseline and scoring of each component and overall unit (via thescorecard 149) for measuring future improvement. Audit engine 172 may berun prior to any Preventive Maintenance (PM) visit to create for theservice maintenance provider a prioritized punch list 149 of operatingissues requiring a technician's attention.

The audit engine 172 may be exercised after the PM to ensure work wascompleted correctly, critical systems are performing reliably, and toverify that the building is operating in a fully optimized,cost-effective manner.

Additionally, embodiments of performance assessment and optimizationcenter 210 may be configured to resolve and continuously optimizeportfolio assets, as well as an entire building system to deliver thehighest level of business reliability at the least cost. Performance maybe measured through improvements to asset and building optimizationscorecards and energy efficiency scorecards 147. These reports may beavailable for analysis and review via preview component on the interface364, which may be configured as a web-based decision analytics tool.

Successful asset optimization may be configured to provide a meaningful,measurable and sustainable increase in asset and building performance.The net result may lead to simultaneous improvement in up time ofbusiness equipment and reduced costs of unplanned maintenance service,asset repair and replacement, and energy usage. These economic benefitsare matched with the assurance of the highest levels of businessreliability.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary user interface illustrating a virtual auditdisplay, the user interface being associated with one or more of theassets from FIG. 2. As illustrated in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 6,user interface 372 may be provided by the virtual audit engine 172 (FIG.5) and can be configured to display one or more audits associated withan asset. More specifically, referring to asset A 110 a from FIG. 2(which in that nonlimiting example is an HVAC unit), user interface 372can provide information related to the operation of an economizer,information related to the heater, and information related to thecompressor of the asset. Additionally, data related to asset inputs maybe provided, such as current zone temperature, supply air temperature,return temperature, mixed temperature, and outside air temperature.

Asset set points may also be provided by user interface 372. Asset setpoints can, as a nonlimiting example, include Occupied (OCC) coolingtemperature, OCC heating temperature, Unoccupied (UOCC) coolingtemperature, UOCC heating temperature, and economizer change overtemperature. Unit outputs may also be provided by user interface 372,and may include data related to the states of one or more components ofthe assets (in this nonlimiting example, compressors, economizers,occupied, and heater). Asset information may also be provided by userinterface 372. Asset information may include make, model, serial number,dates of service, and an asset life gauge.

One should note that while user interface 372 provides data related toan HVAC unit, data related to any asset may be provided. Morespecifically, any data related to the operation of an asset may beprovided by user interface 372.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary user interface illustrating a detaileddescription for one or more assets associated with an environment,similar to the user interface from FIG. 6. As illustrated in thenonlimiting example of FIG. 7, user interface 402 can be configured tocalculate one or more parameters associated with an asset and/orenvironment and provide as asset scorecard that includes client dataassociated with an environment. As a nonlimiting example, user interface402 can be configured to provide data related to “DemoCorp.” Contactinformation including a site name, site address, site telephone number,site email address, site IM address, etc. may be provided. Additionally,user interface 402 can be configured to provide information related toareas that one or more assets service. More specifically, with referenceto FIG. 8, asset RTU-01 is configured to service the first floor of“Prenova Headquarters.” This asset is a Trane Voyager, and has beengraded on various areas of performance. Error codes are also provided.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary user interface illustrating a work order listingfor one or more of the as sets from FIG. 7. As illustrated in thenonlimiting example of FIG. 8, the performance asset optimization center210 can be configured to determine one or more problems to address withrespect to an asset, a plurality of assets, and/or an environment, as awhole. The user interface 422 can then provide this data as aprioritized punch list, which may include data related to work orders ofone or more assets. As illustrated, user interface can provide datarelated to asset RTU-01 from FIG. 7. In addition to identificationinformation provided, information related to the error codes from FIG. 7may also be provided. More specifically, RTU-01 from FIG. 7 isassociated with error codes for a failed sensor and a failed economizerdamper. This data may be displayed in user interface 422 of FIG. 8, aswell as the item that is malfunctioning, parts needed, and priority.

One should note that while at least one embodiment of user interface 422can be configured to provide detailed information related to one or moreof the error codes from FIG. 7, this is merely a nonlimiting example.More specifically, some embodiments may be configured to provide datarelated to error codes that have been addressed, are currently beingaddressed, and/or will be addressed.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary user interface illustrating client informationfor the client from FIG. 8. As illustrated in the nonlimiting example ofFIG. 9, the performance asset optimization center 210 may be configuredto receive data related to assets and/or an environment, as a whole.Upon receiving this data, the performance asset optimization center 210may calculate various data associated with the operation and/ormaintenance of the assets and/or environment. The performance assetoptimization center may then provide a user interface 442 that can beconfigured to provide a vendor scorecard, which may include data relatedto a coverage area for a customer. More specifically, as illustrated inthe nonlimiting example of FIG. 9, DemoCorp has 2300 sites that arecurrently being serviced, with 10527 assets. The number of on-demandservice calls is documented, as well as the number of preventativemaintenance service calls and the number of requests to call a CommandControl Center (CCC) for ensuring asset performance and optimization.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary user interface illustrating service call datafor a client, similar to the user interface from FIG. 9. As illustratedin the nonlimiting example of FIG. 10, the performance assetoptimization center 210 may be configured to compile data associatedwith service calls associated with an asset, a plurality of assets,and/or an environment. This data may be received from a customer servicerepresentative, a technician, and/or from another source. Upon receivingthis data the performance asset optimization center 210 may calculateone or more metrics associated with this data and provide a userinterface 462 that may be configured to provide a service scorecard,which may include service call data related to at least a portion ofassets serviced by performance assessment and optimization center 210.While in at least one embodiment, user interface 462 can be configuredto provide data related to one asset, other configurations can beconfigured to provide data related to a plurality of assets, one or moreenvironments, and/or one or more customers.

User interface 462 may also be configured to provide data related to thetotal number of excessive service calls, as well as a percentage ofcalls that are excessive. Similarly, user interface can be configured toprovide data related to recalled service calls, confirmed EMSdisconnections, excessive time frame for service calls, and failure toreport to CCC. A graphical display of at least a portion of this datamay also be provided.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary user interface illustrating cost data associatedwith service calls, similar to the user interface from FIG. 10. Asillustrated in FIG. 11, the performance asset optimization center 210may be configured to receive data associated with the cost ofmaintenance and/or problem resolution with respect to an asset, aplurality of assets, and/or an environment. More specifically, theperformance asset optimization center 210 may be configured to receivedata from a billing department and/or other entity and compile thereceived data to provide information associated with the overall cost ofan asset (and/or environment). The performance asset optimization center210 can then provide a user interface 482 that can be configured toprovide a service scorecard, which may include costs related to callsreceived by performance assessment and optimization center 210. Similarto the nonlimiting example of FIG. 10, this data can relate to a one ormore assets, environments, and/or customers. The data in FIG. 11includes a total cost of all calls, an average cost per callout, and anaverage cost per square foot. With on-demand calls only, a total cost isprovided, as well as an average cost per callout, and an average costper square foot. With preventative maintenance calls only, a total costis provided, as well as an average cost per callout, as well as anaverage cost per square foot.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary user interface illustrating an average cost percallout, similar to the user interface from FIG. 11. As illustrated inthe nonlimiting example of FIG. 12, the performance asset optimizationcenter 210 may be configured to receive data associated with a servicecallout and the costs associated with the callout. The performance assetoptimization center 210 may compile the received data and provide a userinterface 502 that may be configured to provide comparative data relatedto a plurality of costs per callout. More specifically, as illustratedin user interface 502, the average cost of a Prenova callout costs$432.00. DemoCorp vendors' average cost is $345.00, while an averagevendor's cost is $789.00.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary user interface illustrating an average cost persquare foot, similar to the user interface from FIG. 12. As illustratedin the nonlimiting example of FIG. 13, user interface 522 is configuredto provide comparative data related to an average cost per square footfor Prenova, DemoCorp Vendors, and an average Vendor. More specifically,as illustrated in this nonlimiting example, the Prenova average cost persquare foot is $2.21. The Democorp vendors' average is $2.76, while anaverage vendor's cost is $3.50.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary user interface illustrating a plurality ofefficiency percentages, similar to the user interface from FIG. 13. Asillustrated in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 14, performance assetoptimization center 210 may be configured to receive data related to oneor more assets and/or classes of assets in an environment (and/orplurality of environments). The performance asset optimization center210 may be configured to compile this data to provide metrics associatedwith the operation of these asset(s). The performance asset optimizationcenter 210 may provide a user interface 542 that is configured toprovide an asset efficiency scorecard, which may include data related toasset efficiency gains and losses. More specifically, the percentageincrease and/or decrease of asset efficiency can be measured. In thisnonlimiting example, all units for this client have a minimum efficiencyincrease of −20%. The average for all units is an increase of 4%, whilethe maximum increase is 40%. For rooftop units, the minimum efficiencyincrease is −10%. The average is 5%, while the maximum is 10%. Similarpercentages are calculated for heat pumps, Variable Air Volume (VAV)units, and central plane equipment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a nonlimiting exemplary process thatmay be utilized for an environment, such as the environment from FIG. 2.As illustrated in the nonlimiting example of FIG. 15, performanceassessment and optimization center 210 can perform virtual onsiteoperations (block 562). More specifically, as discussed in more detailbelow, upon initializing service, performance assessment andoptimization center 210 can perform one or more tests to and/or on oneor more of the client's assets. These tests can be performed in avirtual manner, such that a technician need not physically visit theasset. In addition to virtual onsite operations, onsite operations canalso be commissioned (block 564). As discussed in more detail below,onsite operations may be commissioned in addition to (or in substitutionfor) the virtual onsite operations. Onsite operations can includeoperations that a technician physically performs to one or more asset.

After the onsite and/or virtual onsite operations are commissioned, postcommissioning of onsite operations may be performed (block 566). Postcommissioning of onsite operations can include initiating operation ofthe performance assessment and optimization center 210. Finalization andreporting of operations (block 568) can also be performed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process that may beutilized in conducting virtual onsite operations, similar to theflowchart from FIG. 15. As illustrated in the nonlimiting example ofFIG. 16, virtual onsite commissioning can include (as a nonlimitingexample) making an initial connection in search for default programmingerrors, incorrect alarms, addresses, telephone numbers, the absence ofdata logs, and/or other incorrect settings (block 580). Next, base (andstandardized) programming for a performance assurance application may beinstalled (block 582). An initial baseline of equipment may then be made(block 584). The system can then be activated to run as if in actualoperation (block 586). This test run can take place for any length oftime, but may last 72 hours as according to at least one nonlimitingexample. During this test run, assets can be added to data store (block586). A re-baseline of the environment may then be made and compared tothe original baseline (as performed in block 584) for anomalies.Problems that can be resolved remotely may be, therefore, solvedremotely (block 588). The flowchart can then proceed to jump block 592.

FIG. 17 is a continuation of the flowchart from FIG. 16. As illustratedin the nonlimiting example of FIG. 17, from jump block 700 to block 702,a contractor can confirm readings from one or more sensors (not shown)associated with the Command Control Center (CCC). The contractor canthen initialize one or more refrigeration cycle (block 704). Thecontractor can then confirm operation of one or more assets with aservice provider and readings from the CCC (block 706). The contractorcan then confirm location of one or more sensors (zone and/or ductmounted) and asset information for the digital asset library (block708). The contractor may then reallocate sensors identified during testrun (see above), as placed incorrectly (block 710). The contractor canthen resolve one or more punch list items from test run and/or theseissues are sent to installing contractor for warranty work (block 712).The process enables a contractor and/or system administrator to addressissues associated with one or more asset and/or environment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process that may beutilized in conducting post-commissioning onsite operations, similar tothe flowchart from FIG. 15. As illustrated in the nonlimiting example ofFIG. 18, post-commissioning onsite operations can include, as anonlimiting example, a store (or other environment) opening for business(block 732). System documentation may arrive at an environment (thestore). At least a portion of the documentation may explain, to storemanagement, for example, energy standard operating procedures.Additionally, at least a portion of the documentation may explain, forservice technicians, as an example, assets and baseline data (block734). CCC can then follow-up after the store opens to confirm properoperation and to ensure processes associated with EMS system and serviceprocesses are understood (block 736). Finalized commissioning reportscan then be provided via a preview component (block 738), which may bean application and/or physical component associated with the performanceasset optimization center 210. Baseline data can then be collected forongoing virtual audit and performance assurance programs (block 740).

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary processes that may beutilized for continuous commissioning of one or more assets, such as theassets from FIG. 2. As illustrated in the nonlimiting example of FIG.19, continuous commissioning, which may occur during operation of theassets, can include a plurality of components. At least one embodimentmay include providing base line performance reports 782, alarmmanagement and service coordination 784, providing reports related tooperating standards compliance 786, and virtual audit reports 788. Alsoincluded in FIG. 18, the system can provide prioritized punch lists ofoperating anomalies, provide asset and vendor scorecards 792, andmaintain asset information in digital asset library in data store 794.

One should note that the flowcharts included herein show thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of a possible implementationof software. In this regard, each block can be interpreted to representa module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or moreexecutable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder and/or not at all. For example, two blocks shown in succession mayin fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved.

One should note that any of the programs listed herein, which caninclude an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementinglogical functions, can be embodied in any computer-readable medium foruse by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus,or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system,or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. Inthe context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be anymeans that can contain, store, communicate, or transport the program foruse by or in connection with the instruction execution system,apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, for examplebut not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specificexamples (a nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium couldinclude an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires,a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM)(electronic), a read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) (electronic), anoptical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory(CDROM) (optical). In addition, the scope of the certain embodiments ofthis disclosure can include embodying the functionality described inlogic embodied in hardware or software-configured mediums.

One should also note that conditional language, such as, among others,“can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise,or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generallyintended to convey that certain embodiments include, while otherembodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps.Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply thatfeatures, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or moreparticular embodiments or that one or more particular embodimentsnecessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input orprompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included orare to be performed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of this disclosure. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) withoutdeparting substantially from the spirit and principles of thedisclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded herein within the scope of this disclosure.

1. A method for asset management, comprising: receiving, at anoptimization center, data from at least one asset, the at least oneasset being configured to service a remote environment; performing atleast one calculation from the received data to determine whether the atleast one asset is operating to a desired optimization; and providing anindication related to operation of the at least one asset, in responseto a determination that the at least one asset is not operatingproperly, wherein providing an indication related to operation of the atleast one asset includes providing information regarding a number ofservice calls made to the at least one asset.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising sending a signal to the at least one asset inresponse to a determination that the at least one asset is not operatingproperly.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein sending a signal includessending a command to facilitate proper operation of the at least oneasset.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving datarelated to a plurality of assets that are configured to service theenvironment; determining a desired operation parameter associated withthe environment; and determining whether the assets are operatingproperly in relation to the desired operation parameter associated withthe environment.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, inresponse to determining that one or more of the assets are not operatingproperly in relation to the desired operation parameter associated withthe environment, sending a command to at least one of the assets.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein providing an indication related to operationof the at least one asset includes providing a graphical user interfaceto a technician.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein providing anindication related to operation of the at least one asset includesproviding a graphical user interface to a customer.
 8. A system forasset management, comprising: a data acquisition component, configuredto receive data related to at least one asset, the at least one assetbeing configured to service at least one environment; and a datamanagement component coupled to the data acquisition component, the datamanagement component configured to perform at least one algorithm ondata received from the data acquisition component to determine whetherthe at least one asset is operating properly, where determining whetherthe at least one asset is operating properly includes determining anumber of service calls made to the at least one asset, whereinperformance of the at least one algorithm is configured to determinewhether the at least one asset is operating to a desired optimization.9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a data store coupled to thedata management component, the data store being configured to store atleast a portion of data related to the at least one asset.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, further comprising an asset optimization applicationcoupled to the data store, the asset optimization application configuredto provide at least one of the following: a proprietary algorithm,decision analytics, and a predictive algorithm.
 11. The system of claim9, further comprising a preview application coupled to the data store,the preview application configured to provide a user interface relatedto at least one asset.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the datamanagement component includes at least one of the following: a qualityassurance algorithm, an audit algorithm, a validation algorithm, anestimation algorithm, a normalization algorithm, a rationalizationalgorithm, a units conversion algorithm, and a business operations rulesalgorithm.
 13. The system of claim 8, further comprising a programconfigured to identify environment and asset conditions that are not incompliance with an established operating standard.
 14. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one asset includes at least one of thefollowing: an air conditioner, a heater, a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) system, a security system component, a fire alarmsystem component, an appliance, an electrical system component, and anelectronics component.
 15. A computer readable medium for assetperformance optimization, that stores a program that, when executed by acomputer, causes the computer to perform at least the following: receivedata related to at least one asset, the at least one asset beingconfigured to service at least one environment; and perform at least onealgorithm on data from the data acquisition component to determinewhether the at least one asset is operating properly, where determiningwhether the at least one asset is operating properly includesdetermining a number of service calls made to the at least one asset,wherein performance of the at least one algorithm is configured todetermine whether the at least one asset is operating to a desiredoptimization.
 16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, the programfurther configured to cause the computer to store at least a portion ofdata related to the at least one asset.
 17. The computer readable mediumof claim 16, the program further configured to cause the computer toprovide at least one of the following: a proprietary algorithm, decisionanalytics, and a predictive algorithm.
 18. The computer readable mediumof claim 16, the program further configured to cause the computer toprovide analysis related to at least one asset.
 19. The computerreadable medium of claim 16, the program further configured to cause thecomputer to provide a user interface related to at least one asset. 20.The computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the computer readablemedium stores at least one of the following: a quality assurancealgorithm, an audit algorithm, a validation algorithm, an estimationalgorithm, a normalization algorithm, a rationalization algorithm, aunits conversion algorithm, and a business operations rules algorithm.